Tinker Island (McKenney Preserve)
Tremont
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Guidelines
What You Need to Know
- Camp at established campsites (with restrictions)
- Campfires permitted (with restrictions)
- Carry out all trash (see details)
- Keep pets under control
- Respect privacy of preserve neighbors
Why we Care
A Historical Escape
Tinker Island is more than a scenic landscape; its shores hold a rich history. Ringed by a series of beaches, you’ll find abundant spots for landing small boats, picnicking, and beachcombing. And after a day of exploring, you can relax at either of the designated campsites: the first is located near a sandy spit on the west shore (an excellent swimming area); the second is near the north shore.
Features
How to Get There
Tinker Island is located in Blue Hill Bay in the town of Tremont. In Seal Cove on Mount Desert Island, there’s a public ramp with good parking, about 3+ miles east of the island.
Explore the Map
Click on trails and landmarks to learn more about what Tinker Island has to offer.
Preserve Details
Property:
Town:
County:
Accessible:
Field Notes
Getting to Know Tinker Island
The Path to Conservation
MCHT acquired the preserve through a bargain sale in 2001 thanks to the generosity of the McKenney Family and with support from the Land for Maine’s Future Program.
On the Preserve
The 230-acre McKenney Preserve covers the northern half of 430-acre Tinker Island. The remaining 200 acres of the island are protected with a conservation easement that limits development on the southern half. (Please respect the privacy of the owners.)
A prominent landmark in the middle of Blue Hill Bay, Tinker Island has five distinct plant communities that provide habitat for abundant wildlife. These include nesting osprey and bald eagles, porcupine, snowshoe hare, white-tailed deer, and red squirrel. The island’s northern ledges are also important haul-outs for seal pups.
A Revolutionary History
Tinker was originally named Robinson Island in honor of its first European settler Captain John Robinson. While serving as a sea pilot, Robinson guided many privateers safely past the British during the Revolutionary War. By 1850, 41 people in seven households lived on the island, but by 1910 the last resident departed. Remnants of Tinker Island’s past history remain: a wagon road, cellar holes, sills, wells, and stone walls are all visible today.
Stories from Mount Desert Island
Deepening Our Connections to Nature and One Another
Our stories remind us why we commit ourselves to the work of conservation. Here in Maine, nature is still big and bold enough to remind us that we are part of it. We want to make sure this remains true.
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More Information on Tinker Island
Camping On the Island
Camping is only permitted at the two established sites—“Sand Point” and “North End.”
- Limit stay to two nights.
- Large groups (6+) by permission only
- Commercial use by permit only. Please call 207-729-7366
Watch for Raccoons: There’s a large population on the island—make sure to secure or hang your food.
Campfires on the Island
Campfires are permitted, but must be smaller than three feet. Check with the local government for any additional restrictions.
Additional restrictions:
- Keep all fires below high tide line
- Do not build fire rings
- Do not cut or break tree limbs, dead or alive
- Leave no fire unattended
- Completely extinguish all fires
Help Us Take Care of the Preserve
This preserve belongs to all of us; that’s why it’s important to leave as little trace as possible when you visit.
To do that, please:
- Carry out all trash
- Carry out all pet waste
- Carry out all human waste (including toilet paper)